Performative cultural context mediation. Exploring new ways of seeing, learning and understanding cultural context in African and African diaspora art

Abstract

Museums are often seen as educational platforms, yet a trend of standardization, particularly the white cube aesthetic, dominates even African art institutions. This Eurocentric ideal, while useful, can skew cultural perceptions due to its decontextualized nature, creating settings that negatively influence interaction, learning, and expression.

In Swiss institutions, such contextual nuances of presenting African and African diaspora art remains rather underexplored. This research challenges this oversight, advocating new forms of mediation.

The main aim is to raise awareness and provide absent contextual narratives behind African artworks, promoting such art for both Swiss and African communities. It advocates for new ways of seeing, learning, and understanding through performative interventions that address spatial and cultural contexts.

By integrating these narratives into Basel’s public spaces, the project seeks to enhance cross-cultural education and create innovative experiences.